
"I don’t own a lot of expensive stuff. In fact, I find joy in things that are understated – everyday products and tools that are highly functional, reasonably-priced and extremely well-designed."
1. Orient Bambino Automatic Watch
I’m a watch geek. They’re a perfect blend of fashion, design, and engineering. My first automatic watch was a budget-conscious Japanese timepiece called the Orient Bambino. The brand has great heritage (circa 1901) and is one of very few that create their own in-house movements at an affordable price (about $200). It features a vintage design style including a super slick domed crystal lens. Looks smart with shirt and jeans, or strap it on with a suit. Super classy.
2. Champion Benefit Map of the USA
3. Coca-Cola ‘Menu Girl’ Tray
I practically grew up in my dad’s Canadian-Chinese restaurant in Cornwall, Ontario. When he closed up shop for good about 20 years ago I kept a few mementos including this 1953 metal serving tray with amazing patina. It sits on my kitchen island with triple-duties as a paper tray, drinks platter and display art. Brings back the nostalgia of my childhood – sipping on ice cream floats on a hot summer day. I inherited this piece, but you can find this design and other similar vintage pieces on eBay for under $100 depending on condition.
4. Alessi Juicy Salif
5. Lepy Audio Mini-Amplifier
Love music, but can’t afford a Sonos? The Lepy LP-2020A is available on Amazon for about $30. I love its no-nonsense design with limited controls, simple box shape and smooth aluminum finish. The only bell & whistle is a glowing volume knob to let you know it’s on. It has an RCA input for your MP3 player or phone. For somewhere around $30-$50 you can get a bluetooth or Wi-Fi adaptor to go wireless. Combine it with some cheap bookshelf speakers and you can have a decent sounding mini-system for under 250 bucks!
Published February 2018